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How to Remove a Load Bearing Wall

By: Danny Lipford

Removing a load bearing wall in your home is not considered a DIY project, since it can result in injury and structural damage if not done correctly. When removing a load bearing wall, the load must be supported temporarily while the wall is removed and a beam strong enough to carry the load is put in place.

Studs on each end (called king studs) are nailed to the beam, while studs under the beam (known as pack studs) carry the load. Watch this video to find out more.

Further Information

When you’re removing a load bearing wall, you better do it right. The beam that will carry the load that the wall once had is made from two, two by twelves with a piece of half-inch plywood between them. It’s persuaded into position with more than a little force and then it supported by several two by fours.

The three two by fours under each end of the beam are called pack studs, because they transfer the beam’s load down to the floor. The studs outside the pack studs are called the king studs, probably because they control the beam and the pack to keep them from shifting from side to side.

Now all of that hammering is to make sure that the beam is flush with the rest of the wall so this change will be undetectable once the drywall is added.

Our beam is in place, our case opening is complete; and you can see how much it opens up the new area that we’re remodeling into the old area that’s also being remodeled.

One Comment on “How to Remove a Load Bearing Wall”

Not sufficient to run jack studs to the floor to support beam replacing load-bearing wall. Have to go to foundation. Maybe this was a concrete pad???

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How to Remove a Load Bearing Wall

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